06/09/01
The Chicago Transit Authority launched its pilot program Bikes on Buses Sunday, June 10th in conjunction with Mayor Richard M. Daley's Bike to Transit Week celebration.
In May the CTA extended the hours which cyclists can bring their bikes on board trains to anytime except during morning and afternoon rush hour periods, 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Now the CTA is expanding the Bike & Ride program further to include bike racks on buses.
The #72 North Avenue and #63 - 63rd Street bus routes will be equipped with bicycle racks. These routes travel to popular places such as North Avenue and 63rd Street beaches, respectively.
"Bike & Ride offers our customers the benefit of taking public transit to the lakefront and riding their bicycles along the lake to many popular summer destinations," said CTA Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. ?It's also a way for the CTA to support Mayor Daley's efforts to make Chicago the nation's most bicycle-friendly city."
The bike racks, which carry up to two bicycles each are mounted on the front of the bus and take as little as 30 seconds to load. The program will be in effect during all hours of service on the two routes.
The rack has a ?tires-only? method of bicycle attachment. The only point of contact between the bicycle and the rack is on the bicycle tires. All of the moving parts on the bike rack are stainless steel.
CTA President Frank Kruesi cited the convenience of the Bike & Ride Program, "It offers cycling enthusiasts an easy and affordable way to transport their bikes around the city without worrying about construction or parking. There's nothing better than a bicycle ride along Chicago's lakefront."
There is no extra fee to carry bikes on CTA trains or buses. The customer pays the regular $1.50 fee ($1.80 with a transfer).
Regulations prohibit children under the age of 12 from boarding buses and trains with bicycles. An adult must accompany cyclists age 12 to 17. Those 18 and over are able to enjoy the Bike and Ride Program at any time.
For more information on the CTA's Bike & Ride program or to request a free brochure, contact the CTA's Customer Assistance hotline at 1-888-YOUR-CTA, or the agency's website at www.transitchicago.com.
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